Mermaid of Caolas Cumhan
Deep within the rugged landscape of the Outer Hebrides, the Caolas Cumhan reef in Barra has borne witness to a most unusual and intriguing encounter. It was here that crofter Colin Campbell had a startling experience, one that would etch itself into local folklore. While out and about, Campbell raised his rifle, poised to fire at what he thought was an otter making off with a fish. But in a split second, he realised his mistake - the creature was no ordinary otter, but a mermaid, cradling a child in her arms.
This remarkable sighting, which took place before the twentieth century, falls under the category of cryptozoology, a field of study that deals with hidden or unknown animals. The mermaid, a creature of myth and legend, has long fascinated people around the world. While there's no concrete evidence to prove the existence of mermaids, this account, passed down through the years, remains a captivating piece of paranormal history. The encounter was brief, as Campbell's sudden noise startled the creature, causing her to swiftly dive into the sea.
The Outer Hebrides have a rich history of folklore and myth, with numerous tales of strange sea creatures.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Blood Flake Prophecy
Spring at Kilbarry, Barra
The Spring at Kilbarry on the island of Barra was once a place of eerie fascination. Locals believed this unassuming spring held a dark secret - it could foretell the coming of war. When peace reigned, pieces of peat would float harmlessly in the water, but in times of conflict, the spring's waters would turn a sickly hue, containing flakes of blood. This strange phenomenon has been etched into the annals of local legend, leaving us to wonder if the spring was indeed a harbinger of doom.
White Nun of Kirkwall
St Magnus Cathedral and Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall
St Magnus Cathedral and Bishop's Palace in Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, is home to a rather intriguing legend. They say that if you walk around the cathedral three times at midnight, a ghostly white nun will appear. This eerie tradition has been passed down through the years, leaving many to wonder about the story behind the White Nun. Some believe that beneath the site, a phantom piper roams ancient tunnels that connect to the Bishop's Palace, adding another layer of mystery to this already fascinating location.
Kirkwall Tailed Sphere Sighting
Northwest of Kirkwall, Kirkwall
On the rugged northwest coast of Kirkwall, a bizarre incident took place on 25 January 1985, which left coastguards scratching their heads. A very bright spherical object with a tail was spotted moving northwest to southeast. The Kirkwall coastguard reported this unusual sighting, describing the object as a tailed sphere. What makes this sighting even more intriguing is that it was seen again by the Aberdeen coastguard, who reported two objects, possibly the same or similar, a little later. The object reportedly split in two, adding to the confusion and wonder.
Mysterious Sea Creature Sighting
Inganess Bay, Kirkwall
Inganess Bay in Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, is known for its rugged coastline and rich marine life. But it's also a place where the ordinary and the unknown can collide. In the early 20th century, two children out picking whelks were shocked to encounter a mystery sea creature at the water's edge. The creature was described as being black in colour and far bigger than a seal. This sighting has remained a fascinating footnote in the region's history, sparking curiosity and debate among locals and visitors alike.
Mysterious Dog Faced Sea Creature
Waters of, Pentland Firth
Deep in the Pentland Firth, a stretch of water known for its treacherous tides and eerie landscapes, a strange creature was spotted lurking beneath the surface. In the early 20th century, around 1919 or 1920, a witness claimed to have seen a sea creature with a long, thick neck and a small head resembling that of a dog. The creature was said to have swum under the witness's boat, leaving them shaken and bewildered. This bizarre encounter has become a fascinating footnote in the annals of cryptozoology, sparking curiosity and debate among enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Executed Man of Arnish
Loch along A858 between town and Stornoway?, Arnish
This windswept loch, situated along the A858 between Arnish and Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a man who met a grisly end. Local legend tells the story of a man who was executed in Stornoway for murdering a student he had taken on a bird hunting trip. It's said that the victim accompanied him on a hunting excursion, but their adventure took a dark turn, ultimately leading to the student's death. The executed man's spirit is believed to haunt the spot where the killing took place, a spot that now lies beside this tranquil yet eerie loch.